Spiritual communion

Then the question of spiritual communion was asked.

‘Abdu’l-Baha’s answer: "Yes, it is possible. Often people speak together without the means of tongue. There are two means of intercourse. One the outward tongue, the other the ideal tongue. When the spirit is in an abstract mood, when the heart is in a subjective state, then the ideal tongue can speak, but as long as the spirit is preoccupied and the heart is objective in its activity it is impossible to attain to that station. Is there not a wonderful ideal union between the loved one and the beloved? Often with a glance of an eye, with a handshake a whole world of thought is conveyed to other side without uttering a word. It is possible to attain to such a state of absolute, concentration if we are set aglow with the Fire of the Love of God, if we are attracted, if we are as a burning torch, if we overlook material phenomena and objects." 

- 'Abdu'l-Baha  (Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha recorded by Ahmad Sohrab, ‘Abdu'l-Baha in Britain, 1913’)

In the next world there will be “variety, and differing degrees of attainment, as in this world”

The questioner remarked that many differing opinions were held as to the conditions of the future life. Some thought that all would have exactly the same perfections and virtues; that all would be equal and alike.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá said there would be variety, and differing degrees of attainment, as in this world.

(‘Notes of conversations; ‘Abdu’l-Baha in London’)

Are superstitions useful?

A lady inquired whether some superstitions might not be good for ignorant people, who, if they were without them might perhaps be without beliefs of any kind?

‘Abdu’l-Bahá replied that superstitions were of two kinds; those that were harmful and dangerous, and those that were harmless and produced certain good effects.

For example, there were some poor people who believed that misfortunes and punishments were caused by a Great Angel with a sword in his hand, who struck down those who stole, and committed murder and crimes.

They thought the flashes of lightning were the weapons of this angel, and that if they did wrong they would be struck by lightning. This belief caused them to refrain from evil actions.

The Chinese held a superstition that if they burn certain pieces of paper this will drive the devils away; they sometimes burnt these pieces of paper on board ships when they were travelling in order to drive away devils, and by so doing they set fire to the ships and destroyed many lives. This was a type of dangerous and harmful superstition. 

(‘Notes of conversations; ‘Abdu’l-Baha in London’)